When you consider the alternatives when facing a temporary or permanent disability, staying in a place, one that supports the quality of life - like being in one's own home - is at the top of most people's list.  Yet many are forced to consider assisted living centers and nursing facilities because their current home isn't equipped nor designed to allow them to remain independent in their home. But perhaps there are other important reason to stay in place... like sex among the elderly. 

As one gentleman said to a member of DAASE during a presentation recently,... "I am 82 years young and the thought of going in to one of those old peoples home frightens me.  There is a lot of old people sex going on behind those gates. And you just never know what those old women will do to you in the middle of the night." 

When you consider the costs for such "extended care" facilities,... some reports say as much as $75,000 per year,... it is easy to see that remodling a home that is accessible for any and all members of the family is a much better to sustain the quality of life. 

But if that isn't enough to scare you to "stay in place," ... consider the growing concern about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases among the elder population. In an article by AARP, ... "For instance, in Arizona's Maricopa and Pima counties — home to large retirement communities just outside Phoenix — the percent of reported cases of syphilis and chlamydia increased twice as fast as the national average. Reported cases were up 87 percent among those 55 and older in those counties."

Leave it to Arizona to lead the nation.  And further in the article,.... the Federal Government is now taking a look at the situation. 

 "As a result of the national trend among seniors, Medicare is considering providing coverage for STD screenings for seniors. In March, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid office announced that it was looking into adding STD exams to the national health-insurance program, which already pays for HIV screenings. Medicare also is weighing the benefits of paying for behavioral counseling for sexually active seniors."

So staying in place may not be the perfect answer for everyone but with tongue in cheek, perhaps it is better to remain in one's own home and "sex in place,"... no matter the age or ability. 

And inside every older person is a passion for keeping their independence.  One way is to ensure that is to encourage the design of all homes and houses, cities and communities alike, to be accessible to the widest numbers of people and to the greatest extent, are "green" in the design of the spaces, interiors and environments.  That is how you sustain the quality of life for everyone and keep everyone independent.